Galmudug and Puntland to ink peace deal in Galkayo

Leaders from the semi-autonomous of Galmudug and Puntland regions are expected to meet in Galkayo on Saturday and finalize a brokered peace talks aimed at the ending of the ongoing conflict in the city.

The persistent conflict in the central city, has left over 60 people dead, and nearly 80,000 people have been displaced by recent fighting, according to the UNHCR report.

With the presence of Somali government leaders and foreign diplomats, Galmudug and Puntland presidents Abdikarim Hussein Guled and Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas will ink a new ceasefire deal.

The fighting raises fears that the Galkayo dispute could escalate into a national conflict as both warring federal member states have failed to implement previous peace agreements.

Galkayo is divided between two federal states, the Galmudug and Puntland.